Free Consultations | Speak With a Lawyer 24/7 630.261.9098

Illinois Criminal Law: Class 1 Felony

It can be very overwhelming to be convicted of a crime. It is even more overwhelming to be convicted of a felony. While many people are familiar with the term, it is important to understand the differences between a felony and misdemeanor offense.

Felonies include the most serious crimes that carry the most severe sentences, whereas misdemeanors tend to include less serious crimes with less severe sentences. There are also additional classifications within each category.

In Illinois, the second most serious classification of felony, and therefore the second most serious type of offense is a Class 1 felony. More specifically, Illinois law provides that a prison sentence for a Class 1 felony, other than for second-degree murder, must fall within 4 to 15 years. The sentence of imprisonment for second-degree murder must fall within 4 to 20 years. Class 1 felony convictions can also see the imposition of fines up to $25,000.

It is important to note that all convictions, whether felony or misdemeanor, will remain on your criminal record unless you are pardoned or get the charge expunged.

The DuPage/Chicago Criminal Lawyers at Dolci & Weiland provide dedicated, aggressive legal representation. Dolci & Weiland lawyers are former prosecutors, and their combined experience of over 50 years trying criminal cases is critical in preparing your defense.

Class 1 Felony Crimes in Illinois

Certain types of criminal offenses tend to be classified as Class 1 felonies by Illinois courts. The most common examples are outlined below.

Criminal Sexual Assault

In Illinois, Criminal Sexual Assault is the legal term for rape and takes place when an individual performs sexual penetration on another individual with force, with the threat of force, or commits said sexual penetration knowing the other person lacks the capacity to consent. The inability to consent includes instances where the victim is a family member under 18, or where the offender is 17 or over and holds a position of authority over a victim between 13 and 18 years old.

The consequences of a criminal sexual assault conviction can have long-reaching, negative effects on an individual's life, beyond the mandatory jail time. The stigma attached to sex crimes can alienate a convicted individual from their community, and being a registered sex offender in Illinois comes with many limitations and restrictions, specifically with regard to employment and travel.

Drug Crimes

Depending on the amount of drugs in your possession and whether or not they are intended for trafficking, several drug crimes can be considered Class 1 felonies, namely:

Child Pornography

Child pornography is an offense that can be categorized under every class of felony, depending on the circumstances. Child pornography is likely to be a Class 1 felony conviction when moving depictions (i.e. videos, movies, etc…) are not involved.

Facing a Class 1 Felony Charge in DuPage County, Illinois? Contact DuPage County Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers

If you are facing an Illinois Class 1 felony charge, the dedicated legal defense of an experienced felony defense lawyer can make all the difference. Felony convictions can have devastating impacts on your life, from prison time to a record which can cause you to miss out on future opportunities. In a Class 1 felony charge, the last thing you want to do is face the court alone.

Take the first step to protecting your future and your interests by scheduling your free consultation today with the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Dolci & Weiland. We will fight to provide you the quality legal defense you deserve.

To schedule your free legal consultation and learn your legal options, contact us at (630) 261-9098 to speak with a top Illinois defense lawyer and get a free consultation. 

Menu